QuestionIn July of this year I was in an accident on a busy interstate in Georgia. The 19 year old was texting and did not notice that the traffic had stop so she was doing between 50 and 60. She rear ended up and forced us to hit the person in front of us, which we were all stopped. I was the passenger in this middle vehicle. The 19 years is covered under her mother, and they are from New Jersey, but was passing through Georgia when they hit us.
I am having a lot of problems I am dealing with possible nerve damage which I will know on Dec. 5. I can not sit up for longer than minute without having radiating pain. My legs just gave out on me this weekend and I went complete down and caused more damage to my neck, shoulders and back. I have been going to Physical Therapy, twice a day since the accident. I am suffering from tingling, burning and numbness to arms, shoulder and a burning sensation if I seat up longer than 30 minutes. I have ongoing headaches. I am a single parent with a 4 year old that has a chronic illness that I can for. She had just had brain surgery and has been sick on and off. I was schedule to return to the military due to not be able to find a full time job in October, but now I can not pass a physical to return to active duty. And my doctor is thinking that I need to see a therapist for mental issues due to the strain that the accident has put on me since; I have a sick child, now I can’t return to the military to have that job security I need with the insurance for her.
My quality of life is totally different than what it once was. I went from being able to run 2 miles to not be able to walk down a hallway without almost falling to my knees. I was once able to use my arms without filling like they are going to fall off. Was able to do push up which now I can’t even attempt to hold my own weight up. I can’t drive. I can’t give my 4 year old the same care I gave her before the accident. She had just had brain surgery twice in 36 hours followed by pneumonia twice in 2 months.
I’m not sure if I need to get a lawyer or just try to settle this on my own. I mean lawyers in GA are looking for 35% and honestly I could not afford it even with a good settlement.
I am looking at having to care for my 4 year old, provide health care, live and not being able to return to any job. If I sue can I sue for my lawyer’s compensation? What exactly can I sue for in this case? Also do I have a right to know what coverage they have, to see if I will have to actually sue?
I’ve done a lot of research and contacted the at fault insurance company to start the claim process. They have been asking for my medical records and I am still getting medical attention. My symptoms are getting worst and not better.
Also I have pictures and a day to day journal that I've been keeping since the accident.
AnswerHello Tyeashia,
Well you are in a difficult spot. IF you do get a lawyer, it will cost you at least 33% plus legal fees(different from legal cost).
You are entitled to all damages that arise out of the accident, which might be significant, depending on all the facts of your case.
There is great information in this website about where and how you can handle your claim yourself, see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/bodily-injury-claim.html
You should also consider reading this ebook, it will teach you how to handle claims yourself and maybe lower your legal cost and keep your settlement:
http://www.settleyourowninjuryclaim.com/
You can always try to settle and then, if you cannot, or the insurance company is not helping, you can then hire an attorney.
I hope this helps some. You have too many issues and you do need to research what they are worth on your jurisdiction.
Good Luck,
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/
